IBC applauds Government of BC's investment in emergency preparedness

VANCOUVER, Feb. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) welcomed the BC government's announcement that it will invest tens of millions of dollars to protect communities from the impact of severe weather, namely earthquakes, floods and wildfires.

Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC, said, "We are very pleased with the emergency preparedness investments contained in today's B.C. budget, particularly in flood mitigation, earthquake preparedness and wildfire prevention. We look forward to continuing to work with the government on these files in the coming year. We also applaud government's significant investment in infrastructure and seismic upgrades on school, hospitals and transportation networks."

The government announced investments in:

• Emergency Management BC for increased planning and outreach related to potential natural disasters, such as earthquake
• Emergency preparedness and prevention initiatives, including dike upgrades and flood protection
• The creation of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC, with a mandate of wildfire protection and mitigation 

IBC looks forward to supporting the BC government's efforts to educate consumers on how to protect themselves and their property in the event of a severe weather event.

For more information, consumers can contact their insurance representative or phone IBC's
Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC or visit www.ibc.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, car and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $8.2 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, car or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Ariella Kimmel, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 416-550-9062 (after hours), [email protected]